In South Australia, a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim is a claim made under insurance policies (often linked to superannuation or private TPD insurance) when a person is totally and permanently unable to work due to illness or injury.
It is different from a standard workers’ compensation claim, which typically covers temporary injuries, weekly payments, and medical expenses. TPD claims are for long-term financial support when someone can no longer work in any meaningful capacity.
Key Features of a TPD Claim in South Australia
1. Definition of Total and Permanent Disability
• Total: You are unable to perform your own occupation (your usual job) or, depending on the policy, any occupation you are suited for.
• Permanent: Your condition is expected to last for the rest of your life.
• Disability: Could be physical, mental, or both.
2. Who can claim?
• Workers who have TPD insurance through superannuation.
• People with stand-alone TPD insurance policies.
• Workers’ compensation may provide permanent impairment benefits, but this is different from a TPD claim.
3. What a TPD claim covers?
• A lump sum payment to provide financial support.
Can help cover:
• Loss of income
• Medical and care costs
• Rehabilitation or retraining
4. How it works
1. Obtain medical evidence showing that your disability is total and permanent.
2. Submit a claim to your super fund or insurer.
3. The insurer assesses:
• Whether you meet the policy’s TPD definition
• Whether your condition is permanent
• Whether you can perform your occupation or any other occupation (depending on policy)
4. If approved, a lump sum is paid.
In South Australia, you can sometimes have both a workers’ compensation claim and a TPD claim if your injury is severe and permanent, but TPD is not automatically part of workers’ compensation— it depends on your insurance policy.
Call us and we will advise and assist with the process.